Today we’d like to introduce you to Ally Hulstein.
Ally, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been handcrafting all-natural goat milk soaps for the past six years, ever since my family moved to a small hobby farm and introduced goats into our lives. What began as a passion project soon turned into something much more as I started selling my soaps at my mom’s occasional shop, The Granary. It was within the rustic walls of that old granary building that I witnessed a growing love and appreciation for my soaps, not just from myself but from the many customers who loved the rich, creamy soaps.
This marked the beginning of my journey into the world of all-natural skincare products. Like many others, I had given little thought to the products I used on my body, often opting for the cheapest options available.
However, as I dove deeper into researching the toxic ingredients commonly found in these products, my perspective underwent a significant shift. I realized that I could never go back to using chemical-laden alternatives.
Driven by my newfound knowledge and passion, I expanded my product line beyond goat milk soaps to include luxurious body butter and nourishing lip balms. This expansion came about when my brother embarked on a beekeeping adventure, providing me with beeswax to incorporate into my creations. I immersed myself in extensive research, focusing on utilizing only 100% natural oils, butter, and essential oils known for their beneficial properties.
As a high school art teacher with a recently acquired Master of Fine Arts degree in graphic design, I am driven by creativity. I eagerly took on the challenge of designing and developing a website for my skincare products, launching Farmhand Soaps in March of this year. The journey thus far has been exciting, filled with valuable lessons and personal growth.
I am thrilled to announce that Farmhand Soaps has recently welcomed Wildroot natural deodorants into our product lineup, expanding our offerings even further. As of now, our collection contains a range of goat milk soaps, body butter, lip balms, and effective natural deodorants, with more exciting creations on the way.
At Farmhand Soaps, we are deeply committed to crafting products that not only promote healthier skin but also respect and honor nature. Each item is carefully handcrafted with love, using the finest natural ingredients available. Our goal is to provide our customers with a truly rejuvenating and toxin-free skincare experience that celebrates the beauty of simplicity.
Find us online or I will also be doing various farmer’s markets in the Minneapolis area!
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
So far, it has been relatively smooth. My biggest struggle thus far has been marketing and consistency with socials.
With a limited budget, all marketing and advertising have been organic, and balancing the online aspect along with the physical products and labels (which are all done by hand) has been a large undertaking. I work out of my basement, and space and storage have been an issue- this past spring our basement flooded and made things a bit chaotic!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a full-time art teacher and artist, I began Farmhand Soaps on the Side. With a focus on all-natural skincare, our specialty lies in creating small-batch, artisan goat milk soaps that have been perfected over six years.
At Farmhand, we prioritize the values of purity, transparency, and simplicity. Integrity is at the core of our brand. We believe in complete honesty and openness about the ingredients we use in our products, ensuring our customers have a clear understanding of what they are putting on their skin. We firmly steer clear of synthetic additives, embracing only 100% natural components.
Our pride is the goat milk soaps, and have been told by many as unparalleled in quality and efficacy. While numerous companies claim to be “all-natural,” they often resort to using preservatives and artificial fragrances. At Farmhand, we take a different approach. Our soaps are meticulously crafted using only nourishing oils and butter, and we rely on pure essential oils for delightful scents. Moreover, unlike many goat milk soap manufacturers, we never dilute our goat milk, ensuring the maximum benefits for your skin.
Our ultimate goal is to create the finest, most effective products while remaining true to our commitment to being 100% natural and transparent. We want our customers to experience the remarkable results that can be achieved through the power of nature, and to trust that every Farmhand Soap they use is crafted with care and integrity.
What do you think about luck?
I would say I am neither a “lucky” nor “unlucky” person, If there’s a random drawing or contest, I’d say I’m one of the last people to get chosen but overall I am a fortunate person. As for the business side of things, since I have only been live for a few months there has not been any “big break” or strokes of luck just yet. Kind of boring I know, but honest!
Pricing:
- Goat Milk Bar Soaps are $6.50
- Body Butter is $12
- Lip Balms are $3.50
- Natural Deodorants are $9.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.farmhandsoaps.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmhand_soaps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Farmhand-Goat-Milk-Soaps/100090768301822/
